Dear AUS Community,

As we move further into the fall semester, it is encouraging to see the continued progress being made across AUS. The past few weeks have brought important developments for our university, along with achievements that reflect the dedication and talent of our community.

At our recent Board of Trustees meeting, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, several significant decisions were approved to support our academic and institutional priorities. These included two new graduate programs, initiatives to strengthen our research capabilities and plans for further campus development. Each represents an important step in advancing our strategic ambitions and creating new opportunities for our students, faculty and wider community.

I am also pleased to share that our AUS Annual Report 2025–2026 is now available. It brings together an impressive range of accomplishments in education, research, innovation, student life and community engagement. I encourage you to take some time to explore the report and reflect on all that we have achieved together over the past year. It is a wonderful reminder of the collective effort behind our university's continued progress.

Among our recent achievements, I would like to congratulate Dr. Himanshu Grover, Dr. Neeharika Kushwaha, Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril and AUS alumna Nihla Shirin, whose research on public trust and household flood preparedness in the UAE received the Sharjah Government Communication Award for Best Research in Communication Sciences. This recognition is a wonderful example of how research at AUS addresses important societal challenges and contributes valuable insights to public policy and community wellbeing.

I would also like to congratulate Dr. Mohamed Alhajri, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, on his selection to represent the UAE at the BRICS Young Scientist Forum 2026 in Bengaluru, India. It is an impressive recognition and an opportunity to contribute to international scientific exchange alongside researchers from around the world.

Another exciting milestone for AUS was the participation of AUS Press in the Sharjah International Book Fair, marking its first official presence at the fair and the launch of three publications. It was also wonderful to see so many of our faculty contributing to discussions on topics ranging from heritage preservation and digital technologies to women's leadership and social change. Their participation reflects the breadth of expertise within our university and our continued commitment to sharing knowledge and ideas with the wider community.

We have more to look forward to in the coming weeks, with several exciting engagements and initiatives taking place both here in Sharjah and internationally. I look forward to sharing more about these with you as they unfold.

As always, thank you to our faculty, staff and students for the dedication, creativity and commitment you bring to AUS every day. Your contributions continue to shape our university and make these achievements possible.